Posts Tagged ‘health tips’

Here are some excellent, down-to-earth tips to help you lose weight, shape up and otherwise keep that fine booty of yours looking nice. They come courtesy of Michael Volkin, or shall I say Sergeant Volkin. An Army veteran and entrepreneur who has authored 3 military books to help recruits prepare for basic training, the man clearly knows of what he speaks.

Michael Volkin: Below I explain several myths that you might be doing right now to try and lose weight. If you are, then stop wasting your time and money.

MYTH # 1 – LOSING WEIGHT REQUIRES HUNGER PAINS

The fact is, what you eat is more important than how much you eat.

If you don’t eat enough, your metabolism will slow down, making your body want to store fat. As a result, your initial weight loss will come from water and muscle, instead of fat. You should try to consume healthy food choices and save those foods (and beverages) that are high in fat, sugar and calories for special occasions.

Yes, you can have those unhealthy food choices from time to time, in fact, it’s encouraged. Without a cheat meal or snack every now and then, you will get frustrated and lose sight of your goal. Please note, I said a cheat meal, not a cheat day. I see too many people doing cheat days, which is way too much for your body to overcome on a weight loss plan.

Not all fats are bad, says Michael Volkin

MYTH # 2 – EAT NO FAT WHATSOEVER

This is a very old and popular myth. Your fat intake should be limited to around 15% of your overall daily calorie intake.

Fat is needed in any diet to lubricate your joints, keeps your skin smooth and elastic, provide a source of energy, help your nervous system function properly and more. Olive, flaxseed and fish oils are good sources of fats. Fats to avoid include saturated fats and hydrogenated fats (also known as trans fats).

Clearly, not all carbohydrates are bad. The key, says Michael Volkin, is portion control. Hubba, hubba.

MYTH # 3 – AVOID CARBS

You’ve certainly heard this before, “Carbohydrates are bad for you and should be avoided”. This myth has been trending lately as fad diets like Atkins and its copycats become more and more popular.

The truth is carbohydrates have a moderate amount of calories (about half as many as fat). Simple carbohydrates (sugar) should be limited, but complex carbohydrates: whole grain and starches are high in nutrients.

The problem with carbohydrates is portion control. Too many people eat at restaurants with huge portion sizes loaded with 5 times the amount of carbs needed for a given meal. The best way to control your carb portions is to cook for yourself.

I love a tasty rib from time to time, but meat moderation is a good thing. Michael Volkin says there are other ways to get your protein on.

MYTH # 4 – MEAT IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET ENOUGH PROTEIN

Meat is a great source of protein, but it certainly is not the only source. Meat can also be high in fat and sodium so many people look for alternative sources of protein.

Egg whites are a prime source of protein and so are various vegetables and legumes like peas, spinach, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.

30 minutes of exercise, at least 4 days a week, says Michael Volkin. And you can break up your daily regimen. Tackling tasty waves most definitely counts.

Adults should engage in a workout regimen for at least 30 minutes a day at least 4 days a week.

Research has shown that the activity does not need to be done all at once. The 30 minute routine can be split into two 15 minute intervals and provide the same health benefits.

Michael Volkin reminds us that sexy and smart vegetarian options abound to keep you looking fine…Yes, this is really a photo of my refrigerator.

MYTH #6 – VEGETARIANS AND VEGANS ARE HEALTHIER EATERS THAN CARNIVORES

Vegetarians on average eat fewer calories and less fat than carnivores (non-vegetarians). However, vegetarians can make eating choices that contribute to weight gain by eating large amounts of high-fat, high-calorie foods as well as food with little nutritional value.

The term vegetarian is not synonymous with health.

The best way to be sure you are getting a well balanced, nutrient rich diet is to eat more whole foods and less processed, pre-packaged foods and to avoid eating out as much as possible. Make eating out an occasional treat, but try to prepare most of your meals yourself and you will be on your way to living a healthier, leaner lifestyle.

With your new found knowledge of weight loss, grab yourself a deck of my new invention, Weight Loss Stack 52, weight loss cards.

Don’t skip breakfast and work out daily…two habits of successful permanent weight loss

Bonus Round. Question:3,000 people who lost more than 30 pounds and kept it off for more than a year were surveyed. Which of the following was not one of the commonly shared behaviors of these participants?

A) Kept a food journal

B) Drank green tea daily

C) Never skipped breakfast

D) Exercised daily

E) Ate a balanced diet of fat, carbs and protein

The National Weight Control Registry tracked these 3,000 participants and found the following four commonly shared traits: Kept a food journal, never skipped breakfast, exercised daily and at a balanced diet of fat, carbs and protein. Drinking green tea daily was not one of the commonly shared behaviors of the participants.